Abstract: A real-life exercise is a scientific method used by the TH Köln to generate data sets of new technologies and operational concepts derived from research projects. The Institute of Rescue Engineering and Civil Protection (German acronym: IRG) uses a real-time locating system (RTLS), video surveillance, observers and a mass casualty incident benchmark to generate motion profiles, information flows and information on the quality of care. In this practitioner paper these different methods will be discussed and the combination of different data is described. Furthermore, an outlook is given on the extent to which the method will be improved and expand-ed in the future. Concluding it can be said that the combination of all collected data is essential for the evalua-tion of a real-life exercise in security research or civil protection.

Abstract: Our goal is to develop an Early Warning System for an engineering system with a special interest in applying this to a material recovery facility. This on-going research points out that there is no clear definition of what Early Warning Systems are. A literature search for Early Warning Systems identifies hundred of thousands hits (Buchanan-Smith, 1999; Davies, Buchanan-Smith, Lambert, 1991). Almost all of the references had to do with financial systems for third world countries, tracking the destructive nature of violent conflicts that led to human suffering, or systems for syndromic surveillance. The goal of our research, and of this paper, is to define a framework for creating a specification that can be considered as the basis for the development of any Early Warning System-specifically for engineering systems. Therefore, we will describe Early Warning Systems and its requirements and specifications. Based on specification patterns, we have developed an abstract model of an Early Warning System; and developed an IDEF0 model of a material recovery facility that provides the framework for specifying an Early Warning System. The Early Warning System is then specified using information modeling.

Abstract: The elaboration of statistics after a catastrophic situation allows us not only to analyze the economic, ecological and social impact of the event but also to improve the emergency management process. One compelling example of data collection for statistics is forest fires. The agencies involved in providing data have its own systems to collect data and mechanisms to send them, as well as, its data format for storing. Since such mechanisms are usually proprietary, and in order to normalize the exchange of data with statistics generating systems, a data transfer protocol should be used. In this paper we present a data transfer protocol called Forest Fire Statistics Protocol (FFSP). This protocol aims at transmitting consolidated forest fire data between independent agencies. The data transferred are based on the Forest Fire Report Data Model. Both mechanisms are based on open standards providing both technical interoperability and a solution that might be developed once and fit the needs of all. FFSP has been implemented as a web service over SOAP, SSL/TLS and TCP protocols.

Abstract: Managing complex multi-agency emergency operations requires that the key actors have a holistic, correct and dynamic situational awareness (SA) and that the involved actors establish a common operational picture (COP). Establishing SA and COP are key objectives in many multi-agency exercises, however, reported research shows limitations in existing methods and approaches for collecting the data required for evaluating this. By being able to capture near real-time information during different phases of the exercise we will be better positioned to identify what works well and what does not work in the process of establishing SA and COP. Our paper presents an example of real-time data collection using SMS during a multi-agency field exercise. Overall, the results support the idea of this as an effective method for collecting real-time data for analyzing the formation of SA and a COP among actors in emergency management.

Abstract: This paper presents a study of the role of artefacts in sensemaking during emergency response. A qualitative study was conducted with two UK Police Forces, with a particular focus on the role of artefacts in the creation and modification of sensemaking frames. This research demonstrates that sensemaking is a key component of emergency response Command and Control and that this activity is distributed across the individuals within the system. Collaborative sensemaking is coordinated via social and organisational means, supported by a range of private (informal) and shared (formal) artefacts, which function as resources for action – cueing frame seeking and frame-defined data collection. The study also reveals the role of narrative in bridging the gap between these two parallel sensemaking processes and raises implications for the further digitisation of the emergency response environment, demonstrating the importance of balancing social and technical factors in the design of ICT for emergency response. © 2012 ISCRAM.

Abstract: In the response phase of disasters, minimal research has been conducted on the near real-time operational usage of social media. Research findings during this phase could provide evidence to the emergency management community that social media content can be retrieved, verified, and ultimately utilized in decision-making. This paper discusses potential strategies for conducting future research in near real-time during disasters to gain insightful knowledge rarely captured. Following the April 25, 2015, magnitude 7.8 Nepal earthquake, a team of 20 digital volunteers were virtually activated for 48 hours to extract medical-related information from multiple social media platforms and Internet sources. This practitioner insight paper examines methods applied to filter, classify, analyze, verify, and distribute the medical-related information in a timely manner. Association of past research studies are applied to the digital volunteer's experience within a case study framework, calling attention to the feasibility of digital volunteers as an information source in future research.

Abstract: This paper describes the design, implementation, and evaluation of pen input recognition systems that are suited for so-called interactive maps. Such systems provide the possibility to enter handwriting, drawings, sketches and other modes of pen input. Typically, interactive maps are used to annotate objects or mark situations that are depicted on the display of video walls, handhelds, PDAs, or tablet PCs. Our research explores the possibility of employing interactive maps for crisis management systems, which require robust and effective communication of, e.g., the location of objects, the kind of incidents, or the indication of route alternatives. The design process described here is a mix of “best practices” for building perceptive systems, combining research in pattern recognition, human factors, and human-computer interaction. Using this approach, comprising data collection and annotation, feature extraction, and the design of domain-specific recognition technology, a decrease in error rates is achieved from 9.3% to 4.0%.